How to plan a trip to Savannah Georgia

The US has plenty of historic cities and Savannah is a unique one. We share how to plan a trip to Savannah Georgia, so you can make the most out of your time in this picturesque destination.

Why visit Savannah?

When looking at the best things to do in the USA, a trip to Savannah Georgia is a must. This Georgia city is a great year-round trip, thanks to its oak-covered public squares and old buildings, as well as its mild temperature and seaside scenery. The city is about four hours from Atlanta and two hours from Charleston, making it an excellent side trip from either city as well as a good vacation in its own right.

Savannah is a true necropolis with some of the most haunted locales in the United States inside its borders, as well as a pleasant and friendly city with excellent food and happy outdoor activities.

Savannah truly has something for everyone. History aficionados will like the several excursions available. Foodies will delight in eating the tastiest cuisine from several award-winning restaurants and bakeries. Hiking and breathtaking views await nature enthusiasts on Tybee and Whitemarsh Islands. The numerous events covering every genre will entice music fans.

There are a few finer sites to visit if visitors are interested in paranormal occurrences — the world-renowned Bonaventure Cemetery, the infamous Gribble Mansion, and more are all housed within America’s most haunted city.

Best Time to Visit Savannah

Spring is the most popular season for visiting Savannah, with azaleas and flowers in full bloom, pleasant weather, and a full calendar of activities such as the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade. Summers may be oppressively hot and humid, but there are surrounding beaches and water-related activities to keep visitors cool, and the city is less congested in July and August than in spring and early summer. Autumn has better weather and fewer visitors than spring, whereas winter is colder but has cheaper hotel prices and fewer travelers.

If someone enjoys music, the two-week Savannah Music Festival (late March to early April) features world-class musicians and vocal singers from country to chamber music to opera at several locations around the Historic District.

Savannah is an underappreciated Halloween destination since the city feeds on its past, most of which is eerie. Ghost tours of specific haunted locations and the city as a whole are popular all year, but they peak in late September.

Where to Stay in Savannah

Savannah has a variety of unique lodging options, including standard hotels, historic inns, garden flats, and carriage homes. Listed below are some places visitors can stay during their trip:

• Historic District: The historic neighborhood provides hotel alternatives for every price, including luxury options like the DeSoto Savannah on Madison Square, the riverside neighboring Alida, and the boutique Perry Lane, as well as trustworthy brands like the Hampton Hotel and Fairfield Inn & Suites and the pet-friendly Kimpton Brice.
• Pooler: There are various budget-friendly alternatives near the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, including the Best Western Plus, Comfort Hotel & Suites, and Quality Inn, which are all around a 20-minute drive from downtown.
• Midtown: Midtown is a calmer choice within a 10-minute drive from the Historic District, with lots of restaurants, parks, and activities for guests. Most major hotel companies, including Courtyard by Marriott, Hampton Hotel & Suites, and La Quinta Inn, have properties in the area.

How to Get to Savannah

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) has direct flights from and to Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Newark, New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., as well as other U.S. cities, via major airlines such as American, Delta, JetBlue, and United.

Savannah is a short distance from large cities such as Charleston, South Carolina (108 miles north), Atlanta, Georgia (250 miles), and Jacksonville, Florida (140 miles). Most of the city’s hotels have parking lots or valet, so driving into town isn’t a problem if visitors don’t mind paying parking fees.

How safe is Savannah?

Savannah’s vibrant nightlife comes with certain warnings. There are various criminal activities like mugging, theft, scams, etc., that are high in the city. Other than these situations there can also be natural disasters that visitors need to be careful about. So, they must take precautionary measures before visiting the places. Listed below are some safety tips during the visit.

• Never try to go solo during the night.
• Avoid dark alleys and stay in well-lit locations.
• Always keep GPS trackers in cars or goods/luggage in case visitors use one.
• Keep a watch on the weather if it appears to be raining, and be prepared for flooding or tornadoes.
• Keep documents and information safe, and use caution while withdrawing money from an ATM.
• If the visitors parked their cars in a hotel garage, they should ensure that they don’t store valuables in their vehicles. 
• Keep the wallets and purses safe at all times.

How to get around Savannah 

Savannah is a walker’s paradise and a driver’s worst nightmare when it comes to tourism. Because of trolleys, carriages, and all those squares, traffic moves slowly, so if visitors want in a rush, they should stay at home. Listed below are some of the ways to travel through the various sites of Savannah:

• Free Old Town Trolley Tour- This creates a loop around the Historic District and provides an easy way to explore various sights—the guided tour visits 15 places, with interpreters describing the history of each stop. Get off and explore an area at normal speed, then reboard the next trolley and continue to the next destination.
• Pedicabs- This is the traditional mode of transportation, especially for individuals who have trouble walking. Drivers may be entertaining characters, telling ghost stories and historical anecdotes.
• Rental bikes- Savannah Bike Rentals provides electric tandem bike rentals as well as standard bikes for travel. The fee will be determined by the length of time they are hired.

How to save money in Savannah

• Use the city’s public green areas and parks. The Historic District alone has 22 public squares, so visitors are never far from a free spot to roam and see the city’s trees, flowers, and architecture.
• The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is free and open to the public, and tailgating is permitted. Parker’s Market Urban Gourmet has delicious picnic items for the procession. Tickets for the Savannah Music Festival are 10% off for individuals aged 65 and older.
• From January through February, visitors may save 10 to 20% on numerous hotels and lodgings. Staying away from the Historic District will also save money for visitors.
• Consider purchasing a city TourPass, which is available for one, two, or three days for adults and children. The package covers entry to over 30 major Savannah sites, including the Savannah History Museum and Telfair Academy, as well as trolley access.

Things to know before you go to Savannah